IMPHAL, April 27: Remembering the day when the British Union Jack was unfurled at Kangla Fort on April 27, 1891 at 7am and Manipur came under the rule of the British, the International Peace and Social Advancement observed its 18th Dark Day at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound today.
The observation was attended by civil society organisation leaders and the general public.
At the onset of the observation, the presidium members laid the people in offering floral tributes to the unsung heroes of Manipur who had laid down their lives fighting against the British during the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.
Delivering the key note address, IPSA secretary general Kh Athouba said that Manipur lost the Anglo-Manipuri war in April 1891.
He said the British Army marched towards Kangla from all sides including from Dimapur, Thibomei (Kohima), Tongjei Maril and Tamu.
The Manipuri soldiers fought the marching British Army with primitive weapons and were eventually crushed, he said.
He said the day is also observed at Thoubal, Bishnupur, schools in Imphal and at Kyamgei.
Social scientist Dhanabir Laishram lauded IPSA for observing the day and commemorating the unsung heroes of the land.
He said the power lies with the people.
The present pursuit of separate identity among the different communities has resulted in the downfall of nationalism, he said.
Dhanabir said decoration of the leaders of wars is common, however, the unsung heroes who fought under the leaders and lost their lives in the warfield should also be remembered.
In his speech, IPAK chairman Sapamcha Jadumani said till 1931 all communities of Manipur enjoyed tribal status, but after the merger of Manipur into the union of India, the Meiteis were recognized as general category.
The observation was attended by MLA Oinam A/c Dr I Ibohalbi, President UCM Elangbam Johnson, President IPSA Luwangcha Chingkhei and Associate Prof HOD, Dept of History of SK Women’s College Nambol Dr M Ratankumar Singh as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, President and special talker.
In Thoubal district, International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) Kangleipak and Thoubal Apunba Lup (TAL) jointly observed the ‘’18th Dark Day’’ locally known as ‘’Amamba Numit’’ at Thoubal Melaground today.
The observance function was attended by Chairperson of Thoubal Municipal Council Thongam Shyamo Singh as chief guest;, retired Assistant Director of Sports Authority of India (SAI) Konsam Michael Singh and president of TAL Thoubal Samom Raghumani Singh as presidium members; Councillor of Thoubal Municuipal Council Ward No 9 Waikhom Ibochaoba Singh and Councillor of Ward No 8 Waikhom ongbi Sanathoi Devi as guests of honour.
While former chief resource person of CTEL; Dr TGh Chandramani Singh (Linguist) of Ministry of Human Resources Department, Government of India; general secretary of Imphal East District Bar Association advocate N Angothoiba and Professor N Jyotirindra Singh, English Department, Manipur University were present as resource persons.
The function commenced with giving sword salute and offering floral tributes at the portraits of those brave warriors who sacrificed their lives in the war for the sake of integrity of the State.